2 weeks Ago
April 23, 1927 - March 2, 2025 Izzy Covalt was a devoted sister, daughter, mother, and Gaga. She was a trailblazing, successful businesswoman who found great strength and purpose in supporting and mentoring other women. She was an avid hiker, jogger, and animal lover.
Izzy was a caring leader, loyal friend, strong entrepreneur, and a risk taker. She loved traveling to visit family, especially her grandchildren. The daughter of Neldia Hallman and Fritz Robert Muenscher, Isabel was born in Bellingham, WA and raised on her family's farm in Ten Mile, surrounded by siblings and cousins.
She loved to play and work outside, riding her horse and helping her daddy plow the fields. Her parents instilled discipline, faith, and hard work. After she graduated from Meridian High School, Izzy attended Everett School of Nursing and married Albert Jansen, following his return from WWII in 1947.
Izzy and Al had two children. She married James P. Covalt in 1954.
Izzy and Jim added four more children to their family. They were the first franchisees for Shakey's Pizza Parlor in 1959 in Albany, OR. Izzy and Jim Covalt were well-loved supporters of many community and youth organizations.
Following Jim's death in 1978, Izzy left the Shakey's organization. Izzy's Pizza was founded in 1979, a favorite restaurant chain and dynamic family business. In 1985 Izzy Covalt's Kitchen was founded, where she and her team developed recipes for the famous Izzy's buffet.
Izzy married Vail Palmer in 1999 and became part of the Quaker Friends community. She joined the George Fox University Board of Directors and was also active in the Faith Lutheran Church. In 2001 Izzy's professional focus shifted to writing her memoir, "My Name is Izzy," and a cookbook featuring family recipes.
Izzy has been widely recognized for her leadership in addiction recovery. She sponsored many women through substance abuse recovery and career growth. Izzy wrote a memoir on her own recovery journey and lived the 12-step program for over 40 years.
Izzy is preceded in death by parents Neldia Hallman and Fritz Robert Muenscher, sister Bernita (Pete) Zuidmeer, brother Frederick Otto (Esther) Muenscher, and sister Elinor Montgomery. She is survived by Elinor's husband Lonnie Montgomery. Izzy is proceeded in death by grandson Derek Pedraza, husband James Perry Covalt, and husband Thompson Vail Palmer.
She is survived by her children, Patti (Frank) Imhof, Dean Frederick (Michelle) Jansen, James Harley (Jean) Covalt, David Muenscher (Tatyana) Covalt, Lois Jane (Paul) Hein, Isabel Ann Covalt, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Special gratitude to Izzy's caregivers Shelley Chapman Pugh, Donna Hood-Roth, Teri Jagley, and Alexis Hawksford. Izzy lived in Albany, Oregon and died at her home on March 2nd.
A graveside service for the family was held in Ten Mile on Saturday, March 8, followed by a celebration of life in Bellingham, WA. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice or Whatcom Hospice. Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox.
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